“Coming Up” is Paul McCartney at his most playful — funky, experimental, and weirdly futuristic for 1980. Recorded entirely at home on tape machines, it sounds like a robot doing disco and somehow managing to sound joyful doing it.

McCartney later said it was his “DIY rebellion” against arena rock — one man, lots of instruments, and a groove that won’t quit. On ukulele, it becomes a stripped-down funk strummer: all bounce, grin, and a bit of cheeky swagger.

🎸 Ukulele Playing Tips

We’ll set it in C major, which keeps the energy bright and easy to sing.

You’ll need C, F, G, Am, and Dm.

Verse progression: [C] – [F] – [C] – [F]

Chorus: [G] – [Am] – [F] – [C]

Strumming pattern: tight and funky down–chuck–up–up–chuck–up around 110 bpm.

Mute the strings between hits with the edge of your palm to get that percussive “chop.”

It’s not about ringing chords — it’s about rhythm.

If you’re feeling fancy, add a little “McCartney bounce” by alternating between C and Cmaj7 on the off-beats.

That little shimmer nails the song’s feel.

Singing tip: Keep it light and rhythmic — the melody skips and dances more than it soars. Smile as you sing; McCartney always does.

💡 Trivia You Can Drop Casually

• Paul recorded Coming Up alone in his Scottish farmhouse — he played every instrument.
• The sped-up vocals were achieved by slowing the tape, recording lower, then playing it back faster.
• John Lennon reportedly loved it — he called it “a good piece of work” and said it inspired him to start writing again.
• The live version with Wings (recorded in Glasgow) became the U.S. hit single, because the crowd energy was too good to resist.

🌈 Final Word

“Coming Up” is musical caffeine — bright, fizzy, and weirdly uplifting. On ukulele, it’s irresistible: the perfect blend of pop optimism and rhythmic fun.

Play it fast, play it loose, and let that groove carry you.

If you’re not involuntarily bobbing your head by the chorus, check your pulse.